I've been trying to find innovative ways to use pumpkin after a bumper pumpkin harvest, so I got the idea of incorporating some into a cinnamon roll recipe. The result isn't very pumpkin-ey, but is very delicious. My other culinary challenge is that we don't give our 10 month old refined sugar, and anything I bake I try to make friendly for him too. Raisins and dates have become my good friends.

For the dough, mix the maple syrup into the water, and add the yeast to proof. Combine dry ingredients. Mix the pumpkin into the wet ingredients, and add the wet mix to the dry. Knead for a few minutes, until a very soft dough forms. It should be sticky, but able to be formed into a soft ball. You may need a little more flour, depending on the moisture of your pumpkin. Place the dough in an oiled bowl covered with cling wrap or a damp towel to rise for about an hour, or until doubled.

While the dough rises, make the filling by combining all the ingredients in a blender, or chopping finely and mixing by hand.

When the dough has risen, punch it down, then roll it out on a greased surface into a rectangle about 12" by 16" and 1/2" thick. Spread with an even layer of the filling, which will be thick. The most effective way to do this is to use your hands to press small chunks of filling into thin sheets and use them to cover the dough as evenly as possible. Roll the rectangle up into a log, shaping with your hands a little if necessary to achieve an even cylinder.

Cut the log into 12 slices, and place the slices in a greased 9" by 13" pan. Cover the pan, and allow the rolls to rise again.

You can work up to this point in an evening, then place the risen rolls in the fridge to bake the next morning, or just keep rolling from here.

Bake the risen rolls in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes, or until set and lightly browned. While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by microwaving the cream cheese, milk, and dates for 30-60 seconds, until warm. Add the vanilla, and blend with an immersion blender (or a conventional blender if that's all you have) until you have a smooth, creamy icing.

When the rolls come out of the oven, spread the icing evenly over the top, then serve warm.